Macomb, IL – The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program in Illinois will be able to help fewer residents this year.
Tina Lovejoy of the Western Illinois Regional Council says the amount of federal support is staying about at last year's levels.
She says this is in spite of major electric rate hikes that took place in January.
Her agency is now taking applications from the elderly and disabled. The general public will be able to apply for assistance next month.
Lovejoy says there has not been a rush of applications yet because her agency is already evaluating for possible help those who took part in the summer cooling program. She says they were not required to make out an application for heating help.
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The eligible income range runs from $1,276 per month for a one-person household to $3,016 per month for a family of five.
LIHEAP pays a one-time benefit toward hearing expenses. It can also help pay reconnection costs for someone who has had their home fuel service disconnected or for those whose supplier has refused to deliver fuel.
Lovejoy says additional assistance is available for Ameren customers who make more than 150 percent of the poverty level but who have had unusual expenses, such as major medical bills or the loss of a job.